Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: Seany on 26/05/2007 10:34:08

Title: My Blocked Nose!!
Post by: Seany on 26/05/2007 10:34:08

Whenever I get a blocked nose, it's either one or the other.

So, my right nostril is blocked and my left one isn't. But how come this keeps changing? Like 20-30 minutes later, my left one is blocked and my right one isn't!!

It's very annoying.. Anyone know why?

Title: My Blocked Nose!!
Post by: Bored chemist on 26/05/2007 11:45:18

Most people breathe predominantly through one nostril at a time. This permits a greater range of odour detection (It's a bit like thermodynamic versus kinetic control of chemical reactions but I realise that might as well have been Greek for most of you reading this).
The nostrils "swap over" from time to time to even out the wear and tear. This carries on when you have a cold and the effect becomes a lot more noticable.

Title: My Blocked Nose!!
Post by: Seany on 26/05/2007 12:17:50

Hmm OK thanks. I realise this happens with colds and hayfevers..

Title: My Blocked Nose!!
Post by: JimBob on 26/05/2007 20:45:41

This is not pleasant to think about but ...

The drainage from your sinuses varies , one minute it is the right sinuses draining, later it is the left. Depends on what drains more.

Title: My Blocked Nose!!
Post by: Karen W. on 26/05/2007 21:52:46

Right Now both of mine are blocked up!Of course I try to breath harder through the one that is stopped up the most!

Title: My Blocked Nose!!
Post by: Seany on 26/05/2007 22:06:45

Yes.. It is annoying isnt it? [:P]

Title: My Blocked Nose!!
Post by: Karen W. on 27/05/2007 21:39:58

Yes and it makes it impossible to sleep!

Title: My Blocked Nose!!
Post by: Seany on 28/05/2007 12:20:10

Heehee, too true [;D]

Title: My Blocked Nose!!
Post by: Karen W. on 29/05/2007 22:48:59

I hate being sick with a blocked nose, sometimes sleeping on my left side opens the sinuses!

Title: My Blocked Nose!!
Post by: Seany on 30/05/2007 10:21:49

Hmm.. I hate it when my ear aches, when I have a cold.. Also the left part of my head is hurting!!